Convertible dual tank humidifier

ABSTRACT

A convertible humidifier that includes a base portion that produces mist, a control panel that controls the production of the mist by the base portion, at least one reservoir detachably connectable to the base portion for holding water used to produce mist, and a nozzle configured to direct the mist. At least one reservoir includes a pass-through connection that provides a flow path for mist from the base portion to exit the humidifier through an opening on the reservoir. The nozzle is detachably connectable directly to the opening in a first operation mode, and the nozzle is connected to an extending portion which is detachably connected to the opening in a second operation mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/032,363 filed Sep. 20, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/704,143 filed Sep. 21, 2012, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a convertible humidifier that isconfigured to humidify an area from the floor or an elevated space, suchas a tabletop or desk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humidifiers provide humidity to a room or a given area near thehumidifier. Typically, humidifiers are designed to be placed in oneparticular type of place. For example, humidifiers that are designed tobe placed on a floor have a set height to provide humidity from theground to the desired level. Likewise, humidifiers that are designed tobe placed on an elevated surface, such as a table or desk, have adifferent height than a floor humidifier to provide humidity from theelevated surface to a desired level. However, floor humidifiers andhumidifiers for elevated surfaces cannot readily exchange locations andprovide humidity at a desired level.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide one humidifier that can be usedat multiple locations and still provide humidity at a desired level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a humidifier that can be used on anelevated surface, such as a tabletop or desk, and on the floor. Adetachable extending portion allows the humidifier to be converted froma tabletop or desktop humidifier into a floor standing humidifier. Thedetachable extending portion allows the humidity produced by thehumidifier to be released at an increased height that puts themoisturizing mist where a user needs it for use throughout a room.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a convertible humidifierincludes a base portion that produces mist, a control panel thatcontrols the production of the mist by the base portion, a reservoirdetachably connectable to the base portion, which holds water to be usedby the base portion to produce the mist, and a nozzle configured todirect the mist. The reservoir includes a pass-through connection thatallows the mist produced by the base portion to be directed to anopening on a top surface of the reservoir, the nozzle is detachablyconnected to the opening on the top surface in a first operation mode,and the nozzle is detachably connected to an extending portion, which isdetachably connected to the opening on the top surface, in a secondoperation mode.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, an embodiment of thepresent invention in order that the detailed description thereof hereinmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additionalembodiments of the present invention that will be described below andwhich will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of thepresent invention in detail, it is to be understood that the presentinvention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The presentinvention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described andof being practice and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as wellas the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, method, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the base portion according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base portion according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the control panel according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the reservoir according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the reservoir according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the reservoir according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another bottom plan view of the reservoir according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the nozzle according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the nozzle according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the convertible humidifier in a firstoperation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the convertible humidifier in a secondoperation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the convertible humidifier in the secondoperation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the extending portion according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the reservoir according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the base portion according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the tank cap according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the tank cap according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the tank cap according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base portion according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic of the electronics housed in the base portionaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of an exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier.

FIG. 22 is a front plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier reservoirs.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier base portion.

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier reservoirs.

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier reservoirs with caps.

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier left side reservoir.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier left side reservoir with cap.

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier right side reservoir.

FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary dual-tank convertiblehumidifier right side reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments of thepresent invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in manyalternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only theembodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments of the invention are capable ofvarious modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent tolimit example embodiments of the invention to the particular formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments of the invention areto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe scope of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understoodthat the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or“including,” if used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout.

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides aconvertible humidifier that can be used on an elevated surface, such asa tabletop or desk, and on the floor. A detachable extending portionallows the humidifier to be converted from a tabletop or desktophumidifier into a floor standing humidifier. The detachable extendingportion allows the humidity produced by the humidifier to be released atan increased height that puts the moisturizing mist where a user needsit for use throughout a room.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show views of a convertible humidifier 10 inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theconvertible humidifier 10 includes a base portion 20, a control panel60, a reservoir 30, a detachable extending portion 40, and a nozzle 50.In the present embodiment, the base portion 20 includes the controlpanel 60. However, the control panel 60 may be included in the reservoir30 or be a separate unit, such as a wired or wireless remote control.

In this exemplary embodiment, as show in FIGS. 1, 2, 15, 19, and 20, thebase portion 20 houses electronics 200 used by the convertiblehumidifier 10 that produce mist and the electronics 200 used by thecontrol panel to control the production of mist. The base portion 20 isconnected to a power source (not shown) to provide power to theelectronic components 200 of the convertible humidifier 10. According tothis embodiment, the base portion 20 produces mist by ultrasonicnebulization, but any other known mist producing method may also beused.

As also shown in FIGS. 2, 15, and 19, the base portion 20 includes thecontrol panel 60 and a mist producing unit 27. The base portion 20 mayalso include a humidistat 80 for determining the ambient humidity in thesurrounding environment, a water sensor 90 for determining whether wateris present in the reservoir 30 of the convertible humidifier 10, an airoutlet 160 that assists in the flow of mist from the base portion 20,and/or a speaker 100 for providing audible information. The base portion20 may also include an engaging member 25 which makes contact with amovable membrane 125 of a tank cap 120, as discussed below.

The air outlet 160 may include a fan 180 that assists in the control ofthe flow of mist from the base portion 20 and through the reservoir 30.The fan of the air outlet 160 may be controlled by the control panel 60.

As shown in FIG. 20, the electronics 200 housed in the base portion 20may include a processor 170 and a memory 175. The processor 170 andmemory 175 are electronically connected to the mist producing unit 27,the control panel 60, humidistat 80, water sensor 90, speaker 100, andfan 180. The processor 170 and memory 175 control the operation of theconvertible humidifier 10 and execute the various functions of theconvertible humidifier 10, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 3, control panel 60 is used for operation of theconvertible humidifier 10. The control panel 60 may include a display 70for the displaying of information about the convertible humidifier 10and one or more buttons 75 for operation of the convertible humidifier10. Functions of the one or more buttons 75 include the ability to turnon and turn off the convertible humidifier 10, delay the start of theconvertible humidifier 10, automatically turn off the convertiblehumidifier 10, control the output level of mist of the convertiblehumidifier 10, set a relative humidity level desired, and dim thedisplay 70.

A delay start function allows programming of the convertible humidifier10 to turn on automatically. By using the one or more buttons 75 on thecontrol panel 60, a user may enter a delay start time, which may bedisplayed on the display 70. Once the delay start time is entered, theconvertible humidifier 10 may provide acknowledgement of the entry by,for example, flashing the delay start time on the display 70, beepingfrom a speaker 100 that is provided in the base portion 20, or both. Thedisplay 70 may also show a countdown time until the convertiblehumidifier 10 turns on.

An automatic turn off (auto-off) function allows programming of theconvertible humidifier 10 to turn off automatically. By using the one ormore buttons 75 on the control panel 60, a user may enter an auto-offtime, which may be displayed on the display 70. Once the auto-off timeis entered, the convertible humidifier 10 may provide acknowledgement ofthe entry by, for example, flashing the auto-off time on the display 70,beeping from a speaker 100 that is provided in the base portion 20, orboth. The display 70 may also show a countdown time until theconvertible humidifier 10 turns off. The delay start function andauto-off function may also be used in conjunction with one another.

A mist output function allows programming of the output level of mist ofthe convertible humidifier 10. By using the one or more buttons 75 onthe control panel 60, a user may increase and decrease the amount ofmist produced by the convertible humidifier 10. The air outlet 160increases the air flow from the base portion 20 as the desired outputlevel of mist increases. The air flow from air outlet 160 allows themist produced by the base portion to be direct through the reservoir 30.

The convertible humidifier 10 may have a low setting, a medium setting,a high setting, a supreme setting, and a turbo setting, which can be setby using the one or more buttons 75. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the turbo setting may have a default operational settingwhere the convertible humidifier 10 outputs mist at the highest levelfor a predetermined period of time, and then outputs mist at the nexthighest level (supreme setting) after the predetermined period of timehas elapsed. Further, the default operational setting may prevent theuse of the highest level (turbo setting) for a predetermined period oftime.

A relative humidity level function allows programming of the convertiblehumidifier 10 to turn off and turn on automatically to maintain apredetermined humidity. By using the one or more buttons 75 on thecontrol panel 60, a user may enter a desired humidity level, which maybe displayed on the display 70. Once the desired humidity level isentered, the convertible humidifier 10 may provide acknowledgement ofthe entry by, for example, flashing the desired humidity level on thedisplay 70, beeping from a speaker 100 that is provided in the baseportion 20, or both. The display 70 may also alternate between showingthe ambient humidity in the surrounding environment and the desiredhumidity level. The humidistat 80 is used to determine the ambienthumidity in the surrounding environment of the convertible humidifier10. The ambient humidity determined by the humidistat 80 is comparedwith the desired humidity level. If the ambient humidity and the desiredhumidity are about the same, the convertible humidifier automaticallyturns off. When the ambient humidity and the desired humidity differ bya predetermined amount, the convertible humidifier 10 automaticallyturns on.

A dim function allows the display 70 of the convertible humidifier 10 tobe turned off and turned on during operation of the convertiblehumidifier 10. By using the one or more buttons 75 on the control panel60, a user may press a dim function button to turn off the display 70,and may press any of the one or more buttons 75 to turn on the display70.

An automatic safety shut-off function allows for the convertiblehumidifier 10 to automatically turn the mist production off when thewater sensor 90 determines that there is no water present. Theconvertible humidifier 10 may also turn off completely when the watersensor 90 determines that there is no water present. If the water sensor90 determines that there is no water present, the display 70 may alsoindicate that there is no water present. The speaker 100 may alsoprovide audible information about the waterless state of the reservoir30 by beeping.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14 show views of the reservoir 30 of theconvertible humidifier 10 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. The reservoir 30 holds water used by the baseportion 20 to produce mist, and the reservoir 30 is detachable from thebase portion 20. The reservoir 30 includes a tank 110, the tank cap 120,and a pass-through connection 130. The tank 110, as shown in FIGS. 16and 17, of reservoir 30 holds the water for use by the base portion 20to produce mist. Tank cap 120 is removable from the tank 110 and allowsfor easy filling of water into the tank 110. Tank cap 120 may also beused in supplying base portion 20 with water when reservoir 30 isconnected to base portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the tank cap120 may include a movable membrane 125 that when contacted to theengaging member 25 of base portion 20 allows water to from the tank 110to the base portion 20. The movable membrane 125 may be kept in a sealedposition by a spring 126 or other retaining method when the reservoir 30is not connected to the base portion 20. When the reservoir 30 isconnected to the base portion 20, the spring 126 comes in contact withthe engaging member 25 of the base portion 20 and the movable membrane125 opens to allow the flow of water to the base portion 20.

As shown in FIG. 18, a detachable filter 140 may also be removablyconnected to tank cap 120 to filter the water used by the base portion20 in production of mist. The detachable filter 140 may be a permanentfilter or a replaceable filter. The detachable filter 140 may also be anantibacterial filter, a demineralization, an antibacterial anddemineralization filter, or any other known water type filters.

The reservoir 30 may also be provided with a handle 160 a on a topsurface 35. The handle 160 a may be used to assist in attaching anddetaching of the reservoir 30 from the base portion 20 to ensure a goodconnection between the reservoir 30 and the base portion 20. As show inFIGS. 4 and 5, the handle 160 a may also be built into the top surface35 of the reservoir 30 and hingedly connect with the reservoir 30 inorder to be stored on the top surface 35 when not in use. A handle 160 bmay also be provided on a bottom surface 36 of the reservoir 30. Handle160 b may be used when filling the tank 110 with water.

As also shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 14, the reservoir 30 includes thepass-through connection 130. The pass-through connection 130 allows themist produced by the base portion 20 to be directed (flow) through thereservoir 30 to opening 150 on the top surface 35 of the reservoir 30where the mist exits the convertible humidifier 10. A fan provided inair outlet 160 assists in the flow of mist produced in the base portion30 through the pass-through connection 130. When the convertiblehumidifier 10 is in the second operation mode (discussed later), theflow of mist continues through the extending portion 40. FIG. 13 shows aview of extending portion 40.

FIG. 10 shows a first operation mode in which nozzle 50 is connected toopening 150 on the top surface 35. When in the first operation mode, theconvertible humidifier 10 may be used on elevated surfaces, such as atabletop or a desktop, to provide mist at a user desired location andelevation. Nozzle 50 is removable from the opening 150. When in thefirst operational mode, mist produced in the base portion 20 is directedthrough pass-through connection 130 and out of nozzle 50.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a second operation mode in which extending portion40 is connected to opening 150 on the top surface 35 and nozzle 50 isconnected to extending portion 40. When in the second operation mode,the convertible humidifier 10 may be used on lower surfaces, such as afloor, while being able to provide mist at a user desired location andelevation. The same nozzle 50 from the first operation mode may be usedwith the extending portion 40. When in the second operational mode, mistproduced in the base portion 20 is directed through pass-throughconnection 130, through extending portion 40, and out of nozzle 50.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, nozzle 50 is configured to direct the mist toa desired location. Once the nozzle 50 is detachably connected to theopening 150 in a first operation mode or to the extending portion 40 inthe second operation mode, a plurality of movable nozzle openings 55 maybe configured to direct the flow of mist in a plurality of directions.The movable nozzle openings 55 may be configured to direct mist insubstantially the same direction, as shown in FIG. 9. The movable nozzleopenings 55 may be configured to direct mist in a plurality of differentdirections, as shown in FIG. 8.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the electronics 200determines when the convertible humidifier 10 is in the first operationmode or when in the second operation mode by, for example, detecting theconnection of the extending portion 40 to the reservoir 30. When in theoperation second mode, the mist output may increase to the turbo settingautomatically. In an alternative embodiment, the mist output may remainat a current mist output setting until a user manual sets a mist outputafter the convertible humidifier 10 is detected to be in the secondoperation mode. In another embodiment of the present invention, thedetection of the ambient humidity by the humidistat 80 is adjusted, whenthe electronics 200 detects the convertible humidifier 10 is in thesecond operation mode, in order to compensate for the increased distancebetween the mist output and the humidistat 80.

FIGS. 21-30 depict exemplary embodiments of a dual-tank convertiblehumidifier 399 having two reservoirs 300, 301 detachably connectable toa base 320. In the exemplary embodiments, reservoirs 300 and 301 arecomplimentarily shaped to fit together about seam 310 and form acylindrically-shaped portion. Other embodiments may include more thantwo reservoirs, and in any embodiment the reservoirs may be any shapeand/or fit together in any way consistent with this disclosure.

Exemplary base portion 320 shown in FIGS. 21-22 and 24 includes display70 and one or more buttons 75 like numbered with other disclosedembodiments of a convertible humidifier. As with other disclosedembodiments of a convertible humidifier, base portion 320 may have anyshape consistent with the scope of this disclosure, and may have anynumber of displays or buttons, including none.

With reference to FIG. 21, one embodiment of a dual-tank convertiblehumidifier 399 having two reservoirs 300, 301 and no extending portion40 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, nozzle 50, like numbered withother disclosed embodiments of a convertible humidifier, is directlyattached to reservoir 300. Nozzle 50 includes one or more stationary ormovable nozzle openings 55, like numbered with other disclosedembodiments of a convertible humidifier. As with other disclosedembodiments of a convertible humidifier, nozzle 50 and nozzle openings55 may have any shape or orientation consistent with this disclosure.Nozzle 50 may further contain any number of stationary or movable nozzleopenings.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of the dual-tank humidifier 399with extending portion 40 detachably connected at a first end 341 toreservoir 300. Nozzle 50 having nozzle openings 55 is detachablyconnected to a second end 342 of extending portion 40 opposite the firstend 341. As with other disclosed embodiments of a convertiblehumidifier, nozzle 50 may be attached to extending portion 40 in anysuitable fashion consistent with this disclosure, such as by a frictionfit, snap fit, or clamp, among others. Nozzle 50 may also be integrallyattached to extending portion 40 in some embodiments.

FIG. 23 shows a top plan view of reservoir 300 and reservoir 301according to the disclosed exemplary embodiment of a dual-tankconvertible humidifier 399. Reservoir 300 includes pass-throughconnection 303 in opening 302 which forms a flow path through reservoir300 for allowing mist generated in the base unit 320 to exit thehumidifier 399.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIG. 23, opening 302 andpass-through connection 303 are circular and substantially concentric.As with other disclosed embodiments of a convertible humidifier, opening302 and pass-through connection 303 may be of any shape andconfiguration consistent with this disclosure. Opening 302 andpass-through connection 303 may also be located on reservoir 301, bothreservoirs 300, 301, or on one or more of any reservoirs present in anyparticular embodiment.

Further, as with other disclosed embodiments of a convertiblehumidifier, opening 302 and pass-through connection 303 may be a singlestructure, such as an annular tube integrally formed through a reservoir300, 301 by molding or casting the reservoir 300, 301 to include theannular tube. Opening 302 and pass-through connection 303 may alsoconstitute separate components, for example an opening 302 being anaperture in the top of reservoir 300, 301 and a pass-through connection303 being an annular structure such as a tube or pipe with a topaperture aligned with opening 302 an attached thereto by any suitablemeans.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIG. 21, nozzle 50 is directly,detachably connected to opening 302 such that mist exiting opening 302is directed into nozzle 50 and out of nozzle openings 55. In theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 22, extending portion 40 is directly,detachably connected to opening 302 such that mist exiting opening 302is directed into extending portion 40, which directs the mist intonozzle 50 and out of nozzle openings 55.

With continuing reference to FIG. 23, each of the reservoirs 300 and 301includes a top handle 330. The illustrated handle 330 is oval-shaped andhas a first side 331 overlapping a second side 332 such as to form arecess 333 in the handle 330 for allowing a user to grip the handle 330.In other embodiments, any number or none of the included reservoirs 300,301 may have a handle 330, and each handle 330 may be of any suitableshape or orientation.

FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of base unit 320 according to theexemplary embodiment of a dual-tank convertible humidifier 399. Baseunit 320 includes mist producing unit 327, such as mist producing unit27 as previously disclosed. As with other disclosed embodiments of aconvertible humidifier, mist producing unit 327 may be any componentsuitable for producing mist consistent with the present disclosure, forexample and without limitation an ultrasonic nebulizer. Base unit 320further includes at least one air outlet 360, such as air outlet 160 aspreviously disclosed. Base unit 320 also includes water sensor 390, suchas water sensor 90 as previously disclosed. Water sensor 390 may be anysuitable water sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, float sensor, orbubbler sensor, among others. Base unit 320 additionally includes twoengaging members 325, such as engaging member 25 as previouslydisclosed, for engaging movable membranes 382 (FIG. 26) and allowingwater to flow from the reservoirs 300, 301. FIG. 25 shows a bottom planview of the reservoirs 300, 301 according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe dual-tank humidifier 399. The bottom of left reservoir 300 includesthe entrance to pass-through connection 303 for allowing mist to travelup through left reservoir 300. As previously discussed, pass-throughconnection 303 may be located on one or both of reservoirs 300, 301, oron one or more reservoirs of any particular embodiment of a convertiblehumidifier.

The bottom of reservoir 300 in the exemplary embodiment also includes anair outlet port 361 for accommodating air outlet 360 when the reservoir300 is placed on base unit 320. In embodiments having more than one airoutlet 360 a corresponding air outlet port 361 may be provided for eachair outlet 360.

With further reference to FIG. 25, the bottom of reservoirs 300, 301further include fill ports 380 for reservoir tanks. The tanks may befilled with water or other fluids through fill ports 380. Attachmentpegs 370 are provided to accommodate a detachable handle (not shown)that may be used to hold the reservoirs 300, 301 during filling.

FIG. 26 shows the bottom of reservoirs 300, 301 with caps 381 on fillports 380 for sealing the reservoirs tanks. Caps 381 include movablemembranes 382, such as movable membrane 125 previously disclosed, forallowing water to flow from reservoirs 300, 301 into base portion 320when movable membranes 382 contact engaging members 325. Further, caps381 may include filters (not shown), such as filter 140 previouslydisclosed. As with other disclosed embodiments of a convertiblehumidifier, filters may be sized, shaped, and/or located in any suitablemanner consistent with this specification.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are respectively blow-up bottom plan views of the leftreservoir 300 without and with cap 381 on fill port 380.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are respectively blow-up bottom plan views of the rightreservoir 301 without and with cap 381 on fill port 380.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A humidifier comprising: a base portion includinga mist producer; a first reservoir and a second reservoir complimentaryshaped to fit together, wherein each of the first and second reservoirsis detachably connectable to the base portion, wherein each of the firstand second reservoirs includes a top surface and a bottom surface,wherein the top surface comprises an opening and wherein the bottomsurface comprises a tank cap and a pass-through connection, where fluidin the reservoir can be delivered to the base through the tank cap wherethe fluid can be converted to a mist by the mist generator and thendelivered to the opening in the top of the first or second reservoirthrough the pass-through connection; a movable nozzle for disbursing themist through at least one opening in the nozzle; and an elongated tubecomprising a first end and a second end; wherein the humidifier isconfigured to operate in a first or a second operation mode; wherein inthe first operation mode, the nozzle is directly connected to theopening in the top surface of the first or second reservoir and theelongated tube is not attached to the humidifier; and in the secondoperation mode, the first end of the elongated tube is directly attachedto the opening in the top surface of the first or second reservoir whilethe nozzle is connected to the second end of the elongated tube suchthat the elongated tube extends above the top end of the reservoir,wherein the same nozzle is used in the first and second operation modes.2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzleopening includes two or more nozzle openings including at least onemovable nozzle opening configurable to direct mist in the same ordifferent directions as at least one other nozzle opening.
 3. Thehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a control panel having adisplay configured to display information about the humidifier and aprocessor for controlling the operation of the humidifier.
 4. Thehumidifier of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to detect thefirst and second operation modes of the humidifier.
 5. The humidifier ofclaim 4, wherein the processor detects the second operation mode uponconnection of the elongated tube with the opening in the top of thefirst or second reservoir.
 6. The humidifier of claim 5, wherein theprocessor increases the mist output from the mist producer into theelongated tube upon detecting the second operation mode.
 7. Thehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a speaker configured toprovide audible information about the humidifier.
 8. The humidifier ofclaim 1, further comprising a humidistat configured to determine arelative humidity of an area around the humidifier.
 9. The humidifier ofclaim 1, further comprising a water sensor configured to determinewhether water is present in at least one of the first and secondreservoirs.
 10. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to turn off the humidifier after a predetermined amount oftime.
 11. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the processor is configuredto turn on the humidifier after a predetermined amount of time.
 12. Thehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to controlthe amount of mist produced by the mist producer.
 13. The humidifier ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second reservoirsincludes a removable filter.
 14. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein themist producer is an ultrasonic nebulizer.
 15. The humidifier of claim 1,wherein the first and second reservoirs each have opposing surfaces thatengage for stabilizing the first and second reservoirs when connected tothe base portion.
 16. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein a production ofmist is increased in response to detecting that elongated tube isconnected to the opening in the top surface of the first or secondreservoir.